The genius from Shu – Liu Shiliang

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　These days, not many people are likely to know about Liu Shiliang. But in Sichuan during the 1920s to 1940s, Liu Shiliang was a well-known figure throughout the region. When ordinary people talk about him, they forget their hardships and cheer with joy; while officials, when talking about him, stop eating delicious food and drinking fine wine, and quickly show a determined expression. Who is Liu Shiliang? Why does he provoke such vastly different reactions in official circles and among the general public? ! 　　Liu Shiliang (1876–1939), originally named Liu Qinfeng, was diligent and eager to learn from a young age, and he was much liked by his teachers. Dissatisfied with their mediocre views, he angrily dropped out of school. Later, he met the down-and-out Mr. Wang; impressed by Mr. Wang’s couplet \"Stilted houses surrounded by rivers on three sides,\" he matched it with his own couplet \"Shops with roads running through them on both ends,\" took Mr. Wang as his disciple, renamed him Liu Shensan, and from then on taught him with great care. In 1896, after seeing Mr. Wang pass away, Liu Shen-san changed his name back to Mingliang (as one of Mr. Wang’s names was Liang), choosing this name to convey the idea of regarding him as a teacher or having him as a teacher, thus showing that he would never forget the man’s great virtues. At that time, Shi Liang was only 20 years old; thereafter, people forgot about Qin Feng or Shen San and remembered only Liu Shi Liang. 　　Throughout his life, Liu Shiliang wrote petitions and complaints, opened bathhouses, partnered in running cinemas, and published the \"Shiliang Supplement\". His business obviously wasn’t doing very well, so he failed to become rich, but he was kind and generous, often helping others. What people talk about him for is, of course, not his business, but his immortal poems. His friend Yu Yuren once said that Yu Lao’s (Liu Yubo, one of the Five Elders and Seven Sages) poems are like squid and sea cucumbers from Ronglaiyuan – precious delicacies that people without money cannot afford to eat. Shi Liang’s poems, on the other hand, are like Mapo Tofu – they have all the qualities: spiciness, heat, color, aroma, and taste. They don’t cost much, making them affordable; everyone, from commoners to laborers, can enjoy them. 　　Throughout Liu Shiliang’s writing career, his words—whether humorous or scathing—always took the form of essays. He criticized Yang Sen, Liu Wenhui, Liu Xiang, Yuan Shikai, and Wang Jingwei—anyone involved in current affairs who ignored the welfare of the people and went against their will was promptly called out by Liu Shiliang: “Just wait; I’ll criticize each one of them.” His scoldings were apt and amusing, and thus they were praised by the common people ； His insults were truly irrefutable, which made him a target of resentment among those in authority; some even tried every means to harm him. He calls himself “Deaf Brother,” but in fact he is neither blind nor deaf; some people call him a “monster,” and he has heard that as well. To enable people of his time and future generations to understand the truth about him, he even wrote a poem for this purpose: “Reply from the ‘Monster’”. It is better to be deaf than to hear all the goings-on of the world; to be different from the common populace makes one a “monster” ； 　　I speak absurd words to amuse you; who cares if others feel uncomfortable! Republic of China: Heavy Taxes ； The world is too poor. Satirizing current affairs in an organized manner ； Lawlessness. Satirizing the Courts of the Republic of China – Liu Fugong, through the ages ； Long live the Republic of China. An Ironic Elegy for Liu Xiang: A Few Ordinary Tears Spilled ； Two special people died. Satirical elegy for Cixi and Guangxu. There is a horizontal inscription that reads “Universal Suffering,” along with a few harsh words ； A fine of five dollars in silver. Liu Shiliang was punished for his upper couplet; he wrote as a door couplet: \"Like a hook, it hangs in the middle of the bag.\" ； You is the bellows pulling back the inner skin. In 1930 (the year of Yiyou), a satire on Sichuan: Observing all things in silence, one finds fulfillment in itself ； All spring, I’m busy tending to the flowers. Satirizing **men who steal and women who become prostitutes: those who are paid act as if they have lost their parents** ； Ask the gods about those things. Satirical Elegy for Liu Xiang: Great Men Fought to Divide the Country into North and South ； Bandits went to the countryside to loot. Satire: Chaos and banditry reign; it’s unheard of since ancient times that manure should be taxed ； Now there’s nothing left at all. Mocking the excessive taxes and levies: Life is money, and money is life ； If no one harms me, I will harm others. Mocking a rich man: coins and trash everywhere, silent as well ； Deng Tian Liu, Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies. Mocking Sichuan **. Deng Tian Liu refers to Deng Xihou, Tian Songrong, and Liu Wenhui; Fan Kongzhou is entirely Kong ； Liu Cunhou still has a thick face. Mourning Fan Kongzhou, president of the Sichuan Chamber of Commerce, who was assassinated by men sent by military governor Liu Cunhou; despite his extraordinary literary talent that will endure through the ages ； Money isn’t all-powerful. Mocking the idea that money can do anything. Clang-clang, calling the chickens—crash-bang! ； The rabid dog barks loudly at the sun. Satirizing Wang Jingwei: Oh my, what a night is this? ； That's how it is; you know, and I know. Congratulating a friend on their marriage: in this vast and desolate world, things reach their limits ； A long, dark night, with darkness reigning everywhere. Satirizing contemporary politics in the Republic era: failing to demobilize the troops year after year, watching gods fight battles ； Sichuan is now secure; glad that the sun and moon shine once more. Yang Sen implements new policies: the army goes hungry, and no chickens or dogs are allowed to survive anywhere ； They distribute donations recklessly, showing off their power like tigers and wolves. Satirizing contemporary Chinese politics: Hardships foster a nation’s strength, yet it’s the people’s livelihood that remains difficult to resolve ； United in the fight against Japan; never surrender, no matter what happens to our race. Spring Festival couplet for 1932: Eliminate chaos and worries – seven parts tea, three parts water ； Reap the blessings of republic, enjoy two years of spring-like prosperity. Couplet for the Shuanglongchi Teahouse in spring: The road has been paved; when will the supervisor get it rolled out? ； All the civilian houses will be demolished; I hope the general will drive soon. Satirizing Yang Sen from Sichuan for demolishing residential houses in Chengdu to build roads; staring at the sky, ready to be drenched in heavy rain today ； With both hands sweating in worry, fear that one day it might turn into copper coins. A poem about the bronze Buddha statue at Daci Temple in Sichuan, satirizing Chengdu’s practice of collecting money; two good marriages were arranged, and on this day the princess was married again ； To make up for ten years of regret, the former lover returns once again. Self-titled: Remarriage. The great man needs money for clothing, food, and sleep; four principles ； For the common people, excessive taxes and levies, as well as advance collections and loans, are all the same problem. On the 10th Day of the 19th Year of the Republic of China: In short, to put it all together, this day also happens to be the Double Tenth Festival ； The people remain the same; the country remains the same. I heave two or three sighs towards the heavens. Topic: In the 12th year of the Republic of China, on the “Double Ten Day”, Xishan held positions in the north while Chiang Kai-shek occupied positions in the south; thus, a drama unfolded within the Republic ； Zi Lin set the correct pronunciation; there were efforts to carry out reforms – who could follow in the footsteps of the two sages of the Kang family? Mourning the master of Sichuan opera, Kang Zhilin: Six shipments of grain over half a year; repeatedly detained and pursued, with no day of peace ； There are multiple ways to levy the department store tax; demands for cancellation and reductions are in vain, leaving only cries to heaven. Satirizing contemporary politics in the Republic of China: whether it’s a dragon or a phoenix, a flea or a turtle – one needs to keep an eye open and observe over the long term ； The wind blows, the rain falls; it blows freedom and equality – cover your ears and listen less. On the Double Tenth Festival of the 8th year of the Republic of China: The Double Tenth Festival has arrived again; yet with no money and the people in poverty, we dare not hold any celebrations ； The 25% tax has been increased; it funds wars both in the south and north. When will peace finally come? On the Double Tenth Festival of the 19th year of the Republic of China: You are delaying, I am also delaying, and as a result, China’s territory was split into two parts ； The public has reason, and the wives also have reason; happiness in the Republic of China lasted, after all, for ten years. On the Double Tenth Festival of the 10th year of the Republic era: A casual talk about businesses; it’s sad that they have to stay closed for a few days, leaving the monkeys to dance uselessly ； The country’s situation is desolate; years of continuous warfare have kept everyone in turmoil. Satire: **Chaos – there are lights, there are performances, and Zhongshan Tower stands tall; why should comrades strive? ； No reduction in troops, no reduction in taxes – only by adhering to Confucius’ four canonical texts can the revolution be considered a success. Writing satirical works in Changfu Hall to criticize current affairs; meetings are held every year – who would dare not attend? Clenching their teeth, they force smiles on their faces despite being sad ； Lights are lit everywhere, creating a very lively atmosphere; one can run from one end to the other with ease. On the Double Ten Day of the 18th year of the Republic of China: After eighteen years, the husband finally returns home. Regardless of all the hardships and misfortunes he’s endured, he joyfully sings of his return to camp—Yang Bashun ； At 23 years old, his wife forced him into marriage; under such economic oppression, who pities the homeless Li Sanxing? At that time, Xishan was under the control of the northern forces while Chiang Kai-shek was in control of the south; yet they ended up fighting against each other, thus bringing to an end another act in the drama of the Republic of China ； With proper pronunciation and the pursuit of reform, who will take to the stage in the future to carry on the legacy of those two great sages from the Kang family? In mourning for the renowned Sichuan opera performer Kang Zhilin, hailed as the “Saint Kang”. All rejoice together—rejoicing is only natural. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice! It’s time to celebrate; indeed, it’s a time for celebration! ； The whole country is insane, insanely so; utterly crazy. Understand what it means to be crazy—truly understand it. Satirical congratulations on Yuan Shikai’s ascension to the throne; may joy always be present. To the Yellow Vest supporters and those with white noses, celebrate the 10th of October in the eighth year of the Republic ； True peace is evident: hearing the sound of firecrackers, seeing the lotus flowers, throughout the nine-and-a-third li of this splendid city. On the Double Tenth Festival of the 8th year of the Republic of China: Fellow men and women, my dearest compatriots! Please move forward without looking back ； False revolutionaries, counter-revolutionaries – what kind of revolution is he fighting for? Daring to reveal a few words, it comes from the East and West. In the 17th year of the Republic era, on the Double Tenth Festival, one dou of rice cost one yuan, while a child cost 1.5 yuan. It was truly pitiful to see people forced into exile; the value of human life was even lower than that of rice ； Eight taxes per mu of land, and a hundred taxes per item of goods; to pass through the checkpoints along the way, the money paid in taxes exceeds the cost itself. Satirizing the Republic of China’s countless oppressive taxes; all kinds of natural items are available for use in games, so why is nothing available this year? The road was built, but the scaffolding’s poles collapsed ； Changfu Hall occupies the lowest position; on this day, as everyone celebrates together, others prepare gatherings while we bow our heads. Title: The Bathroom by Shuanglong Pool – The King of Hell deals with humans, the priests deal with ghosts, and the doctors treat illnesses; each handles their own domain of responsibility ； **Recruiting soldiers, the village head Latin, the thug La Fei – pulling them back and forth, used in theater performances to satirize current affairs. Sichuan calls bandits \"bangke\"; uprisings broke out in Wuchang, and internal conflicts continued while external threats arose. It’s all because of those who moved from the north to the south, still singing loudly ； Peace negotiations in Shanghai have been stalled for a long time; **repeated attempts have been made, and the people long for peace and order. I ask Xilin and Donghai what steps should be taken. Composed on the Double Tenth Festival of the ninth year of the Republic era; writings expressing sorrow for the times were published, satirical pieces addressing societal issues were also issued. With blood shed as a sacrifice, it is called upon all people in the world to awaken ； In the Qing dynasty, there were no official titles; in the Republic of China, there were no civil servants. They mocked the authorities as ordinary people, and even in the afterlife, such souls remain heroic. Elegy. 　Harmonized manuscript: Liu You runs his own publication titled “Smile”. 　Attached: Liu’s ‘Shi Liang Supplement’. You revolutionize, I revolutionize; everyone cries out for revolution. Ask him about those 18 years – how many lives were lost in the process of revolution? ； Fellow men, fellow women, dear compatriots, pity my 70 million people, who can only share this fate together. Commemorating the 10th of October in the 18th year of the Republic of China: On this day, we feel sorrow as Japan occupied Liaoning. I hope that all our fellow citizens will not forget Japan on this day ； For twenty years it was part of the Republic of China territory; to secure the entire region, the people had to rise up in revolution, for the responsibility for the Republic lies with its citizens. Question: After the September 18th Incident in 1931, the Double Tenth Festival came – a time of republican happiness. Yet for nineteen years on end, people from north to south, from east to west, all faced hardships every year ； At this critical time of crisis, three months of June arrived one after another; the people suffered greatly from bandits and soldiers, as well as from droughts and floods, and were forced to pay for food every single month. To mark the 19th anniversary of the Wuchang Uprising: While others fight desperately, we celebrate their achievements; why not join in the festivities as well? Everyone decorates with lights and banners, just to get by ； Now that the war is over and construction has begun, let’s stop talking nonsense. Even scrap metal can be put together to some extent. On the occasion of the victory celebration for the Northern Expedition, upon observing the situation in the western regions, the people feel that things remain unclear; they just get by from day to day, barely managing to survive, and now they watch this excitement ； Listening to the sounds at Nanlu Crossing, during National Day it’s all about finishing things off quickly; leaving things unfinished means having to start over again next time. On the 10th Day of the 18th year of the Republic of China: Laughter, anger, satire – all can become themes for writing. If I remain neither humble nor arrogant, neither envious nor greedy, free from worries and sorrows, then what are those fleeting things in life but mere illusions? ； Zither, flute, and feathers serve as entertainment for him; they laugh at him as an emperor, a king, a minister, a president, or a head of state – yet in the end he still ends up wearing costumes and performing on stage. Sarcasm: Everyone rejoices across the land; this slanderous chant from Jin – I suppose those by the Douli Rock and by the Bi Tiao River will also come to join in the celebrations? Then, celebrate, celebrate, celebrate—celebrate, celebrate, celebrate, celebrate! ； The whole nation is in a frenzy, showing the people’s enthusiasm; but surely in Shenyang and beyond Shanhaiguan, the excitement remains just as great? Only then can one truly understand what it means to be crazy, to know what madness is all about. Title: Double Tenth Festival, Year 22 of the Republic of China (1933): A Shop with Roads Running Through It on Both Sides ； Stilt houses surrounded by rivers on three sides. Sir, when dealing with evil forces, one must not act recklessly ； To open up new horizons, one needs to be clever. To Mr